Published: January 25, 2007 02:50 pm            

Watercooler: Fans like movie quality, want lower prices

Instead of better films, moviegoers want cheaper seats, according to one recent survey.

In a survey from PA Consul-ting Group, more than four out of five respondents said they were at least content with the quality of Hollywood films. How-ever, most would prefer a more first-class theater experience that goes easy on the wallet.

Eighty-six percent would like to see ticket prices reduced substantially, while six out of 10 would like the theater to offer reserved seating. Sixty-three percent would prefer more food options beyond the typical movie fare of popcorn, soda and candy.

“This research reveals that Hollywood should reconsider how the movie-going experience is sold to the consumer,” said Mike Hunter of PA Consulting Group. “We may be entering an era where consumers want the movie-going experience to be more of an event rather than an occurrence.”

PA Consulting Group, a management and market research firm, polled 2,028 people in seven American cities and three European ones.

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Connecticut and Delaware take top honors for economic development, according to a recent study, while West Virginia languished behind.

The two states earned straight A’s in business vitality, performance and development capacity in Corporation for Enterprise Development’s annual state report card. CFED is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that promotes economic opportunity.

Business vitality factored in new business and job creation, industry strength and diversity; performance was measured by employment, income and quality of life. Development capacity was gauged by a state’s infrastructure, financial resources, education and research and development investment.

“A strong economy is not measured only by good jobs and good business,” said CFED President Andrea Levere. “There must also be in place necessary resources that enable businesses, communities and individuals to compete and win over the long haul.”

Other strong overall performers included Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Utah and Wisconsin, which earned all A’s and B’s. West Virginia was the only state to flunk each category.

        

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